The lower South Hill of Spokane has a public safety
issue with the Maple/Walnut corridor, especially in the area of 9th 10th
and 11th Avenues.

For the past 90 days our Steering Committee has had
a sub-comittee compiling information and recommendations for this letter,
and it was
unanimously approved at our meeting held on September 3, 2002.

Because of excessive speeding, a blind corner, and
increased traffic that is expected to become even worse due to the imminent
closure of the Monroe Street bridge (as motorists seek new routes up the
South Hill), we believe great peril confronts pedestrians, school children,
and vehicles attempting to cross any of the above-mentioned streets, and
in fact, take their lives in their hands when they do.

The intersection at 10th and Maple is particularly
dangerous. Your own and the Police Department's records will show it to
be one of the worst collision intersections in the city.

This letter not only calls attention to a neglected,
high traffic arterial, but offers several low-cost suggestions from area
residents that we
would like to believe will get your immediate attention and cause your
immediate action.

Enclosed are pictures of the cross walks in question.

Eastbound from 10th and Walnut

Eastbound from 10th and Maple

Southbound from 10th and Maple

Southbound Walnut from alley between 9th and 10th

LOCAL RESIDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:

* The cross walks need repainting;
* High visibility florescent cross
walk signs should be installed;
* The light post with the No Parking
sign that is visible from 8th Avenue would be a good position for a flourescent
traffic sign. (See the
fourth picture)
* A flashing caution light at 10th and
Maple.
* The private fence should be removed
from the corner of Maple and 10th so as to provide visual access to oncoming
southbound traffic. (We realize that private fences are beyond your jurisdiction,
so we ourselves plan to contact the property owner about this specific
item).
* Crosswalks could be painted on 6th, 7th,
8th on Maple and Walnut Streets; and 12th, 13th, and 14th on Cedar Street
as well.
* Speed Limit strictly enforced sign at 5th
and Maple (Southbound) and 15th and Cedar (Northbound).

Please respond to us as soon as possible about what
action will betaken. We are very concerned about this and are hopeful
that work can be completed before the Monroe Street bridge is closed.

Sincerely,

Steve Spickard, Chairman

Historic Cannon's Addition Community Development Steering Committee
This letter is posted on our web site as:
http://cannonsaddition.tripod.com/trafficleta.html